Open Circle
Joan Machlis-Crasemann presents “Lago Alianza and Lakeside Charities: Giving that Counts” on Sunday, May 24, 10:30 a.m. at Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society.
Many of us care deeply about our community. We give money. We give time. Yet philanthropy can feel fragmented or quietly frustrating — for donors and nonprofits alike. This talk may be of interest to anyone who has ever donated to a cause, served on a board, volunteered, or wondered whether their efforts truly make a difference. Machlis-Crasemann shares the evolving story of Lago Alianza and poses a simple but ambitious question: What would it look like if we treated nonprofits and philanthropy not as isolated acts, but as a shared ecosystem?
Drawing on real experiences at Lakeside, she explores the pressures nonprofits face, and the questions donors quietly carry. This conversation invites reflection, practical insight, and a more connected way of strengthening the community we already care about.
Jaripeo benefit
A Mexican-style rodeo (jaripeo) in benefit for a liver transplant for Juan Pablo Flores Martinez will take place Sunday, May 24, 5 p.m. at the Lienzo Charro in Ajijic. Bulls from four ranches will be taking local charros for a ride, and two bands will entertain the crowd: El Gallito y los Originales de la Banda and Banda Tlayapcan La Reina de la Ribera. Food and botanas will be available, and ticket holders will enter a raffle for a 3,000-peso cell phone, a goat and a bottle of tequila. Tickets (150 pesos, available on Facebook of Juan Ra Flores) or at the gate.
Democrats Abroad
If you need U.S. ballot assistance or help to request your 2026 ballots, visit Democrats Abroad at the Lake Chapala Society, Monday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or go to VoteFromAbroad.org.
Memorial Day
American Legion Post 7 Chapala will commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. at the Cemetery located at Calle Venustiano Carranza 26 in Chapala. Following that will be a dinner at the Post with live music. Doors open 1 p.m., dinner served at 3 p.m.
Games
• Join Anavets Mexico Unit 19 on Tuesdays at Mama’s Musical Bar in San Antonio for Euchre and Mexican Train from 3 to 5 p.m. and competitive darts from 5 to 8 p.m. All skill levels are welcome to participate, and the Bar and kitchen will be open.
• A Cruz Roja bingo fundraiser is held every Wednesday with games beginning 1:30 p.m. June 10, the game is at Tequila Bonanza Restaurant in the Old Posada. Enjoy artisanal mezcal cream. Various door prizes of mezcal will be given out.
Tequila tasting
The Lake Chapala Society will host a tequila tasting event with Orendain Tequila, Wednesday, May 27, 3 p.m. Admission is 400 pesos and attendance is capped at 40 guests. Tickets are available at the LCS office Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or at lakechapalasociety.com.
You are not alone
The Lake Chapala Society is hosting a new support group: Estranged Parents of Adult Children, on Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m. This self-help group offers a safe and supportive space for facilitated discussion, shared experiences and mutual support. No charge. For more information, WhatsApp Jim Phillips at +561-706-8889.
Community get-together
A Kermes benefit for knee surgery for Ajijic hair stylist/makeup artist Rolo Lopez will be held on the Ajijic Malecon 9 a.m., Sunday, May 31. Music will be by Lola la Tequilera, Octavio Vega and others. A beer and tequila bar will be open and Mexican food favorites will be sold: tacos, tamales, enchiladas, sopes, aguas frescas and desserts. Raffle tickets may be purchased for 50 pesos at his salon located at Carretera Orient 2 in Ajijic. Prizes include salon services and bottles of tequila.
Foot Race
The 2nd annual San Antonio Tlayacapan Carrera Patronal race takes place Sunday, June 7, 7 a.m. on the SAT Malecon. The race is collecting funds to further an outdoor gym on land next to the Malecon reclaimed by the town from someone who was planning to build on it illegally. The municipality has donated some of the necessary equipment, but more funds are needed to finish the project. The race is on a trail over nearby hills with distances of 6 km and 21 km. Entrance fees are 250 pesos (6km) and 350 pesos (21km). Categories are: Youth (under 17); Open (18 to 39) and Masters (40 and older). Contact Chevo via WhatsApp to register: 333-408-6007.